Don't just nip down to the local newsagent and pick up whatever's on the rack. If you want to get folk talking about your party before it's even happened, spend time and effort getting invitations exactly right.
Opt for something elegantly traditional, contemporary and chic, funky, or attention-grabbing - the style of your invitations depends on the style of party and your reason for celebrating.

Remember: invitations set the tone for your event, so make them memorable. For maximum impact (and a better turn-out), create invitations that are innovative, intriguing and distinctive. The anticipation should start from the moment your guests receive that special box or envelope in the mail, or that must-find-out-more email.

Sourcing the perfect stationery
You'll need time to find, create or have stationery made to order, get it printed, and have matching paper goods made up. You may need to add handwritten messages, signatures, accessories, wax seals or small gifts before addressing the envelopes (or packaging) and sending them out.

Stationery checklist
Follow these steps to ensure you get exactly what you want:

¥ Check stationery specialists' websites and promotional materials - some stationers allow you to peruse their stock, customise designs, and order online;
¥ Ask to view a portfolio of the designer's previous work;
¥ Look through their stock of paper, card and other fabrics, as well as special inks, envelopes, seals, ties, accessories and accompanying paper goods and accessories;
¥ Check out their range of colours, designs, graphics, photographic images and fonts;
¥ View examples of their calligraphy and hand-written invitations;
¥ Ask to see samples of themed invitations and matching paper goods;
¥ Check out their range of pre-printed stationery - most carry hundreds of quality readymade invitations in popular colours and themes, including contemporary and classic designs, and there may be something on the rack that exactly meets your needs;
¥ Ask about accessorising - can they apply studs, diamantes, glitter, stick-ons, dried flowers and the like? Can they make eyelet holes for threading ribbons or other ties through?
¥ Can they add customised wax seals or other decorations to envelopes or invitation packaging?
¥ Can they design and print themed or novelty invitations on materials other than paper or card, such as
- themed boxes
- dogtags or keyrings
- novelty watches
- helium balloons
- baseball caps
- scarves
- blocks of chocolate?
¥ Do they stock additional novelties or gifts that can be sent along with the invitations (flowers, masks, printed balloons, lollypops, toys and the like)?
¥ Will they address, send out invitations or handle guest-lists and RSVPs as part of the service?
¥ Can they add wax seals to your invitations?
¥ How long will it all take?

Putting it down on paper
Discuss the theme and nature of your celebration with your stationery designer, and convey any ideas you have as to referred style, motifs, fonts, graphic details, layouts and accessories. He or she can then come up with a range of design ideas tailored to your tastes and requirements.

You choose your favourite colours, card or paper stock, motifs and other graphic elements, fonts or calligraphy, and accessories. You'll also need to come up with the wording.

If you want matched envelopes, thank-you notes and other paper goods and accessories, these can be designed at the same time, as part of a stationery package.

You may want to add personalised wax seals to your invitations. If your stationery designer can't supply these, consider buying them separately from a dedicated wax seals maker: you can have your company logo, entwined initials or any motif you fancy stamped onto the peelable seals.

Some invitations design services will oversee the sending out of invitations; RSVPs and guest-lists. If you're time-poor, this can be a stress-free option - preferable to losing track of the guest-list by trying to do it all yourself!

This chapter continues in Party Magazine